Checking in: The St. Regis Shanghai Jingan

In a bustling financial hub of skyscrapers (and fluctuating air quality levels), The St. Regis Shanghai Jingan is an oasis

By day when it was sunny out, it was a field of buildings—tall or taller, classically vertical or modernly geometrical. By day when my phone's Weather app reported "Unhealthy Air Quality for Sensitive Groups", the city was painted with fog (or smog) for that shroud of mystery, and a burning orange ball in the sky added for dramatic effect. By night in general, it was a sea of twinkling lights that's almost mesmerising. One can really let the mind wander when you're staring out of the expansive windows of your luxurious room on the 61st floor of The St. Regis Shanghai Jingan.

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But an uninterrupted view of the Shanghai cityscape isn't the only thing the luxury hotel has to boast about. Sitting in the heart of the cultural and business centre that is Jingan District (pretty much the heart of the city itself) The St. Regis Shanghai Jingan already scores points for its convenient location to everything—business and leisure, touristy sights and shopping sites, and more. Staying at the hotel, however, is almost akin to staying in an art gallery. The interior is an elegant combination of traditional Western and Chinese styles, elevated with a generous touch of luxury and culture. The curation of art pieces—commissioned or collected, as part of the hotel or the individual room's decor—is another impressive matter.

Read on to see what else we think about The St. Regis Shanghai Jingan as your potential choice of accommodation the next time you stop by the city.

THE GUEST ROOMS

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Located on the 36th to 68th floor, you can be sure that a sweeping Instagram-worthy view is guaranteed with any of the 491 exquisitely-styled guest rooms. My Executive Deluxe Room offered a lavish amount of space, be it in the living space or the bathroom, which comes with a humble-sized walk-in closet. The attention to detail for the decor is evident. The classic St. Regis bed dressed with 300-thread count sheets and plush bedding is always appreciated. The bathroom decked in marble is a dream and also classic of the brand. The subtle additions of a traditional Chinese-style lacquer glass cabinet and the porcelain vases on the shelves in the walk-in closet, on the other hand, is a nice localised touch. Don't forget to let the butlers indulge you with their services—from unpacking (and repacking) your luggage to drawing a bath to taking you to make a bespoke qipao at Shanghai Tang.

THE DINING OPTIONS

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Officially, there are six. Start off at Social for their breakfast buffet with a selection that will spoil you. The Drawing Room continues Caroline Astor's legacy with the traditional St. Regis Afternoon Tea (but modernised with local touches). Over at Seki-Tei, the menu features classic Japanese favourites, fresh sushi and sashimi, and a live cooking teppanyaki station. For something closer to the local culture, Yan Ting is the hotel's specialty Chinese restaurant which serves refined Cantonese cuisine. If you're craving for specific or new flavours, The St. Regis master chefs at Bespoke will specially curate menus based on your personal preferences. Finally, wind down at The St. Regis Bar which offers fine wines, whisky and champagnes and more than 50 handcrafted cocktails—but the one you definitely want to try is the hotel's local version of the Bloody Mary, the 'Mary Jing'.

THE FACILITIES

Big on maintaining your health and wellness needs even when you're abroad? The gym is open 24 hours a day and personal coaching can be arranged. Alternatively, there are yoga and fitness classes you can join while the large indoor pool offers a refreshing escape. For something a bit more rejuvenating, The St. Regis' signature Iridium Spa features a wide range of specialty massages and treatments. You're more than welcomed to visit half an hour before your appointment to take advantage of the sauna.

FINAL WORDS

Barely a year old, The St. Regis Shanghai Jingan is a gleaming addition to the city. While I don't particularly recommend the Japanese restaurant, the breakfast buffet gets a very satisfying tick from me. The butlers are, as per the brand's standards, stellar and part and parcel of The St. Regis experience. Similar to most of the other St. Regis hotels around the world, art and design hold a special place in the brand and the Shanghai outpost is no different. Rather, it should be applauded. Above all, it was honestly hard to disown my beautiful room and check out at the end of my stay.

1008 Beijing West Road Shanghai, Shanghai 200041 China

For more info, or to book your stay, visit The St. Regis Shanghai Jingan's website.